v. & n.
v. 1 a tr. (also absol.) (of a fish, frog, mollusc, or crustacean) produce (eggs). b intr. be produced as eggs or young. 2 tr. derog. (of people) produce (offspring). 3 tr. produce or generate, esp. in large numbers.
n. 1 the eggs of fish, frogs, etc. 2 derog. human or other offspring. 3 a white fibrous matter from which fungi are produced; mycelium. spawner n.
[ ME f. AF espaundre shed roe, OF espandre EXPAND ]